Learn to glide locally, fly more often and be part of a friendly, active club next year. Whether you already know you want to join, or you’d like to try us first, this page explains how it works and how to get started.
Why join Cambridge Gliding Club in 2026?
A lot of people discover gliding through a one-off flight. That’s a good way to see what it feels like. But membership is where gliding actually becomes fun and repeatable.
Joining in 2026 means you can plan ahead, get your first flights in early, and have the rest of the year to train, meet people and fly on the better-weather days.
As a member you get:
- More flying: access to club flying days through the year, not just a single slot.
- Structured training: instructors who already know you, and a syllabus to follow.
- A local community: people to fly with, volunteer with and learn from.
So the idea is simple: use the start of 2026 to get set up, then enjoy the rest of the year actually flying.
How it works
We don’t want this to feel complicated. Here’s the path most new people follow.
- Tell us about you: Send us your details, where you’re based and what you’re aiming for in 2026 (fly regularly, learn properly, just try it first).
- Get your first flights in: We’ll get you flying with an instructor so you can see how things run at CGC and ask questions in person.
- Train with the club: You follow our training pathway, fly with instructors and make steady progress at a sensible pace.
- Become a full flying member: Once you’re comfortable, you stay on as a full member and keep flying with us.
If you only want one or more introductory flights, that’s fine too! We’ll put you on the introductory flights route instead of the full membership route. Many people who try out with us end up becoming full members anyway!
Membership options for 2026
We have a few options for joining, depending on your readiness and the level of flying you’re interested in.
Full Membership
This is the main route into the club for adults who want to fly regularly.
- Best if you already know you want to glide regularly.
- Includes access to club flying, instruction and the wider club community.
- Ideal if you want to make 2026 your flying year.
Three-Month Membership
A good way to try the club properly before committing to a full year.
- More than a one-off flight, but not a big leap.
- Experience normal club operations and training over several months.
- Move up to Full Membership if you enjoy it.
Lite Membership
If cost is the only thing holding you back, ask us about Lite Membership. It exists so money is not a barrier to joining the club. You get the same flying and instruction as Full Membership. We simply offer a reduced rate where needed.
- Same flying and instruction as Full.
- For people who would find the standard rate a genuine stretch.
- Quick, friendly check to confirm eligibility. We keep it confidential.
Mention Lite Membership in your enquiry if you would like to chat about it.
Younger Members
We also have Young Adult and Young Person memberships for under-26s and under-18s. If that’s what you need, just mention it in your enquiry and we’ll outline what’s available.
Register your interest now
Not ready to join in 2026?
That’s completely normal. Lots of people like to try us first, then decide.
Common questions
- When do you fly? During the main season from 1 April to 30 September, we fly every day, weather permitting. Outside that period, we fly at weekends and on published club days.
- How much will it cost? Membership plus charges for launches and glider hire. Full and Three-Month members pay the same flying rates. Instruction is free for members. We will send the current price list when you enquire.
- Where are you based? We’re based at Gransden Lodge Airfield, about half an hour to the west of Cambridge, and a similar distance to the east of St Neots.
- Can under-18s join? We do get a lot of under-18 enquiries. Places are limited, so we run a fair process for parents and will explain what’s available in 2026.
- Are there height/weight limits? Yes, for safety. Tell us in the form and we can confirm.
Ready to join Cambridge Gliding Club in 2026? Make your enquiry today.
